In my opinion I think that high beam assist is for lazy folks. I'd rather keep my attention focused on the road and flip the beams myself. Is the assist worth the $250?

I've heard people say to stay away from the cold weather package as the headlight washers overspray way too much, so I plan on omitting the cold weather option, since I don't need a ski bag; however, just included heated seats. Hopefully this is the right move.

Also, I've read that Sirius Radio can be added at a later time by purchasing a license since it's already built into the car. Is this true? I will have an American Spec car; however, it will be in England for the next 2 years till I return back to the U.S, therefore, I will not need XM till then.

Any other recommendations or suggestions from the M3 veterans in here? Anything I'm forgetting? I hope to be part of the BMW clan very soon. I believe the dealership has a November or December slot available. Shouldn't be a long wait.

I think you have already answered your questions in the body of your post. Nicely done.

__________________

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After seeing a 2013 M5 on the military base today, I'm really wishing I could afford one. Those brakes/rotors are HUGE. The motor looks badass too.

Well they have to be that large considering the amount of weight they're expected to stop! I think you'll enjoy the M3. After having driven a 1M and a Subaru BRZ over the last few weeks, I'm realizing more and more how much more fun a car is when it's light, even if it's down on power. If I were to get an M5 (I'm still a ways off from affording one myself), I would probably use it mostly as a DD and get something lighter and "purer" for the track and even for spirited drives on back roads. But that setup would waste a lot of the M5's potential. Of course most owners will probably use it in exactly that way since they'll just want the quick bursts of power on the freeway, the engine sound, and the badge, but I'd feel guilty wasting a car like that -- but not guilty enough to deal with 4300 lbs on a track.

I dunno, I think the 3700 lbs of my M3 is my upper limit for weight on my "fun" car. The BRZ made that especially clear since it's lighter by a whopping 1000 lbs! It's definitely down on power (needs a turbo which is coming) and the back seats are useless, but it felt so absolutely perfect in the corners that I honestly didn't care about not being able to power out of them. I missed the V8 sound (though the four-banger in there has a good sound, one of the best fours I've ever heard), but otherwise it was absolutely fantastic. And all that fun for the cost of an Accord!

All that to say, I think that if you're the type who drives for the enjoyment of driving, you chose the right car. There'll always be time to get a turbo car later, but you're getting what is arguably one of BMW M's high water marks for engines and the very last of an entire era.

Besides, your buddy with that M5 probably won't be able to drive it for a few weeks due to the oil pump issue anyway.

All that to say, I think that if you're the type who drives for the enjoyment of driving, you chose the right car. There'll always be time to get a turbo car later, but you're getting what is arguably one of BMW M's high water marks for engines and the very last of an entire era.

Besides, your buddy with that M5 probably won't be able to drive it for a few weeks due to the oil pump issue anyway.

Main reason I'm ordering one this year is due to the end of the V8 in the M3. I'm gonna find it very hard not to take it out much in the winter time in England.

Funny you say that about the M5's oil pump. While I was chatting with him, he told me that BMW bought his car back as the computer kept on braking in it. I'm assuming he had a lemon. Now he gets a brand new M5 and they have issues with the oil pump.

+1....add the mirror caps to that spoiler and exhaust, and you are in BUSINESS!
I would take mirror caps and spoiler over souped radio any day of the week.

hmmm, I def want those carbon fiber pieces; however, the dealer never mentioned anything about them. I'll have to ask today. As far as I can tell our options are very limited when ordering from BMW Military Sales. Very ironic as they are built a couple hundred miles away.

hmmm, I def want those carbon fiber pieces; however, the dealer never mentioned anything about them. I'll have to ask today. As far as I can tell our options are very limited when ordering from BMW Military Sales. Very ironic as they are built a couple hundred miles away.

Insist on them...in the US, they install at the port of entry I believe. When I ordered my car from Steve Thomas, I had them install the M perf exhaust. I wish I had done the mirror caps and spoiler at that time.

The spoiler makes a serious impact. I also forgot...I wish I got the performance carbon interior trim. Carbon leather is cool and all, but the real deal is even better. Anyhows, when you get all the goodies with the car, maybe they can roll it all into the final invoice...and include the goodies in your overall payments. Better than piling stuff on later on a credit card bill with high interest.

hmmm, I def want those carbon fiber pieces; however, the dealer never mentioned anything about them. I'll have to ask today. As far as I can tell our options are very limited when ordering from BMW Military Sales. Very ironic as they are built a couple hundred miles away.

I purchased mine through military sales as well and I was given the option to include the items into the total sales amount. As mentioned this would give you a lower interest rate on these items compared to buying them afterwards. If not it's not a big deal if not but it is nice to not worry about these mods immediately after purchase (unless like many people who have them stacked in their garage before delivery)! You might also want to see what BMW can do for you when it is time for US shipment. Maybe they can help you out there versus paying out of pocket on commercial cargo?

hmmm, I def want those carbon fiber pieces; however, the dealer never mentioned anything about them. I'll have to ask today. As far as I can tell our options are very limited when ordering from BMW Military Sales. Very ironic as they are built a couple hundred miles away.

I purchased mine through military sales as well and I was given the option to include the items into the total sales amount. As mentioned this would give you a lower interest rate on these items compared to buying them afterwards. If not it's not a big deal if not but it is nice to not worry about these mods immediately after purchase (unless like many people who have them stacked in their garage before delivery)! You might also want to see what BMW can do for you when it is time for US shipment. Maybe they can help you out there versus paying out of pocket on commercial cargo?

I asked the dealer today, and I cannot get those options installed from the factory. Oh well, I'll just wait and get them later on.

Delivery back to the US will be free. I will just have to pick it up from the port.

Now I need to purchase some rear uk spec lights (amber) and a fog light switch in order to get the m3 registered in England.

Good to know... Even though I may not need the seats to fold down, you never know when you might need to stick in a 2x4 in the car

Actually, I have a 2013 equipped as you suggest in your OP. You will be able to carry your 2X4 without folding down the rear seat. Even though I did not order the cold weather package, the rear armrest has the pass-through hole that the ski bag is supposed to attach to. The whole affair has a cheap feel that even my children instantly dismissed. It's too bad, really. Fortuantely, if you keep the flimsy armrest closed, the deficiencies of the design are concealed.

The trim is a matter of taste. The aluminum was not to my taste. It said "stainless steel appliances" to me.

Great color combo, you will never go wrong with Space Grey. The premium sound makes a huge difference, I would personally drop the Competition package for Navigation though. Unless you're really into the wheels the money spent on the Competition package is a huge waste. Adding navigation to my car instead of cold weather was something I was very pleased with. Just my two cents...

Great color combo, you will never go wrong with Space Grey. The premium sound makes a huge difference, I would personally drop the Competition package for Navigation though. Unless you're really into the wheels the money spent on the Competition package is a huge waste. Adding navigation to my car instead of cold weather was something I was very pleased with. Just my two cents...

Huge fan of top gear over here. As a matter of fact it constantly plays on tv here in England. I've seen the episode you're talking about, and even though I have not tested the comp package on a rest drive, I'm glad I will have it as an option to turn it on. Besides, those wheels look badass on the comp package, and cost more than half the price of the option.